The purpose of psychotherapy is not a psychological question but a philosophical one. Any approach that is purely psychological will expose its proponent to being obliged (often covertly) to import any justifications for the goals chosen from a theoretical framework that is external to psychology and associated disciplines. This leaves counselling and psychotherapy in the dangerous position of being dependent upon an external discourse that is often neither acknowledged nor understood.
Observed from the outside counselling and psychotherapy appear to be fragmented. What is absent is a general theoretical framework. I believe that there is a reasonable case for proposing that there is a viable framework for considering the purpose of all counselling and psychotherapy. Such an approach would consider the following:
- in finding a rational foundation we must reject postmodernism and simple relativism
- the theory of communicative rationality offers a much wider sense of reason than logic or science and stresses those rational features of communication that are universal and transcend cultures
- all communications that lead to reaching an understanding have three core values that are indispensable: truth, justice and authenticity. As psychotherapy is one of the most advanced forms of communication these core values hold true and provide a philosophical basis from which to derive its purpose.
For more see:
or my book – The Purpose of Counselling and Psychotherapy – Bennett, M. (2005) London: Palgrave